Chapter 182

Chapter 182

Hong Da gnashed his teeth in fury at Meng Shuping. Was this brat trying to make things even worse?

If he had known this would happen, he would have eliminated Meng Shuping by any means necessary back then. Now, instead, he had given his adversary a chance for revenge.

"Wronged?" Emperor Qianyou sneered. "Then tell us, in what way have you been wronged?"

He wasn't unaware of some of Hong Da's actions. However, considering Hong Da had rendered some meritorious service, he had tolerated it to avoid being accused of discarding a tool once its purpose was served. Yet, he never expected his leniency would only embolden Hong Da further. Since that was the case, he no longer intended to indulge him.

Hearing Emperor Qianyou's question, Hong Da paused before bursting into tears, sobbing, "Your Majesty, I have never harbored any disrespectful intentions toward you! The accusations of extravagance are utterly baseless! Moreover, my subordinates and I are all military men—isn't it normal for us to eat more at each meal? If even this is considered a fault, then wouldn't every military officer in the court feel threatened?"

Meng Shuping couldn't resist pointing out the flaws in his argument. [So, that means the accusations of embezzling public property, siphoning off funds and grain, and oppressing the common people are all true? Why isn't he refuting those?]

[He can't even offer a solid rebuttal, yet still has the nerve to claim he's wronged? Doesn't he feel guilty? And it's not like I'm criticizing him, but does he really think crying will soften the Emperor's heart?]

[Ugh, a burly, bearded man crying with snot and tears, thinking he looks pitiable? Honestly, it's really an eyesore! I truly commend the Emperor for managing to resist the urge to hit him while facing such a sight.]

Hong Da choked up, almost unable to continue crying. He couldn't help but feel furious—who was trying to look pitiable? He was genuinely crying!

"Pfft!" The Minister of Revenue and others couldn't hold back their laughter. They quickly lowered their heads as if nothing had happened. Attending court with Meng Shuping had this downside—it was easy to accidentally lose one's composure in front of the emperor.

After Meng Shuping's remarks, Emperor Qianyou also found it hard to look directly at Hong Da. He subtly shifted his gaze elsewhere, thinking it better to spare his own eyes.

However, some still spoke up for Hong Da. Several military officers stepped forward from among the officials. "Your Majesty, what General Hong said isn't entirely unreasonable. We practice martial arts daily and indeed consume more food than ordinary people."

"That's right! How can we have the strength to fight if we don't eat enough? If eating a little more is enough to draw criticism, then wouldn't we be wronged beyond belief?"

"Besides, some dishes are so small they're gone in a few bites—not even enough to fill us up. Can you blame us for eating more?"

Though they weren't entirely clear about Hong Da's situation, who didn't know how these courtly accusations worked? A three-part offense could be exaggerated to seven parts, a five-part offense to ten—whatever made it sound worse. Who knew whether the latter accusations against General Hong were true or false?

If General Hong were to fall because of such accusations, what if someone used similar charges against them in the future?

Seeing that some were still defending Hong Da, the Minister of Revenue and others instinctively glanced at Meng Shuping, only to hear his voice remark, [Wow! Are these guys Hong Da's cronies or just plain stupid? Still defending him at a time like this? Aren't they afraid of being implicated as accomplices?]

[Hiss... I get it now!]

Meng Shuping amused himself inwardly, [Could it be that they find Hong Da's crying pitiable? Hahaha!]

Hong Da glared furiously at Meng Shuping. Would this never end?

"Pfft!" This time, even Emperor Qianyou couldn't hold back a laugh. He quickly pinched his thigh, trying hard to control his expression.

The military officers who had spoken up for Hong Da were furious. What are you talking about? Who found Hong Da pitiable? It was a miracle they weren't covered in goosebumps!

They glared angrily at Meng Shuping, only to find him standing there innocently. What was going on?

Before they could ponder further, the Minister of Justice stepped forward. He glanced sideways at the military officers and said, "I say, colleagues, don't let General Hong's pitiable crying sway you! A grown man shedding tears—look how heartbroken you all are!"

The Minister of Revenue chimed in, "Exactly! Why don't you spare some sympathy for the soldiers? Could it be that after spending so long in the army, you've taken a fancy to rough men like General Hong?"

"Foolish! Utterly foolish! Even if you have preferences, you should fancy handsome young men like Director Meng! Tsk, what terrible taste! I simply can't understand it!"

"Hmph! If you don't know the facts, don't blindly defend him. Save yourselves from getting dragged down too!"

The military officers flushed red with anger. "Who would fancy someone like him? I prefer women!"

"Exactly! I've got a full beard myself—what would I want with him? Compete over who has more beard hair? Or whose leg hair is longer?"

"Pah! My standards aren't that low!"

One of them indignantly addressed Emperor Qianyou, "Your Majesty! What I meant was that this matter still requires investigation. We can't wrong someone without evidence. But if General Hong's accusations are true, then please punish him severely!"

"I share the same sentiment!"

"Right, right! That's exactly what I think!"

Meng Shuping laughed heartily. [Hahaha, so even Hong Da's defenders find him repulsive? Stop pretending to be pitiable already!]

Hong Da's face turned pale with rage. How could someone switch sides so quickly? It would have been better if they hadn't defended him at all—then he wouldn't have suffered such humiliation.

Emperor Qianyou cleared his throat, suppressing the laughter threatening to spill out. "Since all the Beloved Ministers agree, very well. Beloved Minister Cao, Minister Li, Minister Zhou."

The Minister of Justice and others quickly responded, "Yes."

Emperor Qianyou said, "This case shall be handed over to the Ministry of Justice, the Dali Temple, and the Censorate for joint investigation. As for Beloved Minister Hong, he shall be detained at the Ministry of Justice pending further investigation. Once the case is clarified, he will be judged accordingly."

The Minister of Justice and others replied, "Yes."

Hearing this, Hong Da's legs gave way, and he collapsed to the floor. The case hadn't even been investigated, yet the Emperor was already talking about punishment. Did that mean he had already decided to convict him?

Soon, Hong Da was dragged away. Meng Shuping breathed a sigh of relief. [Whew! Finally, it's over. Now I can rest properly, right? Good thing I'm not in the Ministry of Justice anymore—otherwise, I'd probably be working overtime again!]

Emperor Qianyou glanced at him. "Since so many are behind on their tax payments, the Ministry of Revenue needs to expedite the tax collection efforts. Beloved Minister Meng, you'll have to work harder during this period."

At a time like this, this brat still wants to rest? There's a mountain of work waiting—where would he find the time to rest? And who's to blame for everyone else being so busy?

Meng Shuping's eyes widened in shock. [Huh? Assigning me more work again? I've been busy enough lately! I just finished one task, and now I'm not allowed to rest? Does he have it out for me? I quit! I'm definitely quitting! I can't stand this lousy job for another day!]

[Being busy in the Ministry of Justice was one thing, but the Ministry of Revenue is even worse! Can't I be assigned to a more relaxed position? I don't want to age prematurely!]

The Minister of Revenue hurriedly interjected, "Your Majesty! How can our Ministry of Revenue handle the tax collection alone? Most of the defaulters are in the provinces. Even if our reach were long, we can't extend it that far! In my opinion, this matter should be delegated to local officials. Why not include it in their performance evaluations? That way, they'll be more diligent."

We can't let Meng Shuping leave! The Ministry of Revenue is already swamped with work, and now there's even more. If Meng Shuping doesn't do it, who will?

Hearing this, the Minister of Personnel quickly stepped forward. "Lord Chen, you are mistaken. Tax collection is the responsibility of the Ministry of Revenue. How can it all be pushed onto local officials? Moreover, we can't guarantee that every local official will perform their duties diligently. What if some officials, to meet quotas, extort taxes from ordinary civilians? Wouldn't that harm the common people?"

Those local forces are not to be trifled with, but ordinary civilians are different. Once the money is handed over, who knows where it came from?

The Minister of Revenue was also aware that such issues often arose, but they were unavoidable. Even during regular tax collection, such problems couldn't be entirely prevented unless every local official was diligent and responsible.

He retorted unhappily, "Then what do you suggest? Should we send Ministry of Revenue officials to each locality? Even local officials, who have been stationed there for some time, can't handle the local forces. How could our officials, arriving for just a few days, manage to collect the taxes?"

Meng Shuping couldn't help but suggest inwardly, [Send troops to negotiate! If they're reasonable, fine. If not, just arrest them! Let's see who dares not pay.]

At the same time, the Minister of War proposed the same idea as Meng Shuping. "Your Majesty, in my opinion, those who have delayed their tax payments for so long must be stubborn and unyielding. Reasoning with them politely won't achieve much. Why not send troops? For severe cases, execute a few. After a few executions, they'll comply obediently."

Meng Shuping was astonished. [Wow! I thought I was harsh, but he's even harsher!]

Emperor Qianyou sighed inwardly. Arresting someone wasn't exactly harsh—it was just a necessary measure. The young man was still too soft-hearted.

However, the Minister of War's suggestion was quickly met with opposition. "No! This approach is too violent. If exploited by malicious individuals, it could provoke condemnation from scholars across the land!"

Meng Shuping couldn't help but complain, [So many complications! Do they think they're justified in not paying taxes?]

At this point, Jiang Cihe stepped forward. "Father, since General Hong's clansmen are about to be punished, once other local forces hear that they were convicted for tax evasion, they will naturally become fearful. In my opinion, we should publicize this news widely among the people. If anyone remains stubborn after hearing it, then arresting them would be justified. I believe we can always find other charges against them."

Hearing this idea, the Minister of Revenue's eyes lit up. He quickly said, "Your Majesty, this is an excellent suggestion."

Meng Shuping also agreed inwardly. [Yes, yes! We need to make them aware of the court's determination to collect taxes! Those who don't pay will face consequences!]

[Speaking of which, I just thought of an idea too. Well, I'll mention it later.]

Emperor Qianyou couldn't help but ask, "Beloved Minister Meng, do you have any good suggestions?"